Come toEstuaries Daythis Saturday September 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Estuaries Day: Marshes Matter"Where Rivers Meet The Sea"
Many people enjoy spending time on the banks of a mountain stream or clear lake. Most of us love going to beaches. But, brackish water marshes and estuaries seem far less attractive. They are filled with grasses and the ground is like quicksand. In fact, early settlers and developers considered wetlands to be wastelands.
Estuarine marshes and wetlands play a vital role in Virginia's ecology.Juvenile fish and crabs find refuge and plenty of food so they can grow strong and large enough to head to deeper waters in the winter. Predatory game fish can be found here providing anglers with action and commercial fishermen with income. The wetlands absorb pollutants and excess water run-off and act as a buffer against storm surges from hurricanes and "nor'easters."
To protect and study estuaries, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point.
Come to Historic Rivers Chapter of Master Naturalist, and other agencies will be on hand to give more details about the importance of our brackish water marshes. Park staff and volunteers will lead canoe, kayak, and hiking trips. Bring a picnic lunch and make it a day of learning and fun "Where Rivers Meet The Sea."
Directions to York River State Park: From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd.) for one mile, then right on Route 606 (Riverview Rd.) about one and a half miles to the park entrance. Take a left turn into the park.
Drive Time : Northern Virginia, two to three hours; Richmond, one hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, one hour; Fredericksburg, two hours; Roanoke, five hours.